RadioBanter - View Single Post

February 22nd 05, 08:11 PM

On Mon, 21 Feb 2005 10:35:32 -0600, wrote:

I have a general class ham license but have been out of
it a LONG time

I want to get back into some form of free ham radio
comms that would allow me to stay in touch with people
while living in an RV

So.... I want something small and compact. And Im not
sure what "mode" of communications I want. I may want
some form of digital comms like packet or pactor....
not sure

Any advice on all this? What to get equip wise? What
modes to get into?

It is a lot easier to keep in touch with other hams with ham radio,
somewhat more difficult to keep in touch with non-hams.

Having a 2 meter FM rig will allow communications locally, and with
repeaters around the country. Other VHF or UHF bands will add to this,
but 2 meter only will get you through.

An HF rig with a decent antenna will allow long distance comms. You
will have to compromise to get one that is portable, and mounts on
your vehicle.

Packet radio would work for email, but bandwidth is rather limited
compared to the worst dialup options. 1200 baud is common, 9600 is the
most out there. Dialup Internet providers range from 28.8 to 53K.

Depending on who and how you wish to keep in touch, you may still want
a cell phone and set up with a national dial-up ISP.

Happy trails,
Gary (net.yogi.bear)
--
At the 51st percentile of ursine intelligence

Gary D. Schwartz, Needham, MA, USA
Please reply to: garyDOTschwartzATpoboxDOTcom